Emerging Public Leaders Malawi

25/09/2026

Shukran Billy Maupa.

Public Service Cohort 2 Fellow | Trade in Services Officer | Creative Professional & Advocate for Youth Innovation.

What happens when a creative professional deliberately steps outside their comfort zone and enters a completely different world?

For Shukran Billy Maupa, it meant moving from a career built around creativity, communication and design into the world of trade, policy and regional negotiations.
He joined the because he wanted to challenge himself, to become good at something beyond what he was already comfortable doing.
And public service gave him that opportunity.

A creative mind enters the world of trade.
Shukran is placed at the Ministry of Industrialization, Business, Trade and Tourism, in the Trade in Services Department, where he serves as a Trade Officer.
The placement was particularly meaningful because the Ministry’s mandate connects closely with many of the areas that have shaped his professional journey: business, services, trade and tourism.
His work involves supporting the facilitation of trade in services through activities such as coordination, data tracking, reporting and compiling information related to services trade.
He has also gained exposure to the regulatory and legal aspects of trade, negotiations within Africa and initiatives supporting Malawi’s participation in regional and international trade.
For someone whose professional background includes graphic design, marketing and communications, this has been a significant shift.
And that was exactly the point.
He wanted the challenge.

Stepping into regional trade negotiations
One of Shukran’s most memorable experiences has been his involvement with the SADC Protocol on Trade in Services – Second Round of Negotiations.
Under this process, SADC member states are working on commitments concerning the services they will allow other member states to trade, subject to agreed rules and regulations.
Shukran has been involved in regional consultations, Trade Negotiating Forum meetings and discussions around Mutual Recognition Agreements, including work related to the movement and trade of professional services within the region.
For him, this experience has offered something that cannot easily be learned from a classroom: a firsthand understanding of how regional trade cooperation actually happens.
It has allowed him to move from knowing about development and business concepts to participating in the processes through which countries negotiate, coordinate and facilitate trade.

From creative skills to public service value.
Interestingly, Shukran did not leave his creative identity behind when he entered public service.
Instead, he found new ways to use it.
His background includes graphic design, visual communication, marketing and content creation, with technical skills in tools such as Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects and Blender.
During his fellowship, he also supported the department’s public relations work when his creative abilities could add value, producing visual communication materials despite being placed in a different technical area.
This is an important lesson for young professionals:
Your placement may introduce you to a new field, but the skills you already possess can still become part of the value you bring.

Learning to take responsibility.
The fellowship has also shaped Shukran’s understanding of leadership.
One of his strongest lessons has been that leaders should take responsibility when things go wrong.
Rather than looking for someone to blame, leadership requires owning what falls under your watch and using the experience to improve.
That lesson has emerged alongside a broader transformation in how Shukran thinks, makes judgements and understands Malawi’s trade policies, initiatives and projects.

A new perspective on the future of public service.
After 12 months in public service, Shukran has developed a stronger belief in the potential of young professionals to contribute to the future of Malawi’s public sector.
He sees young people as bringing innovation, commitment, adaptability and the ability to learn quickly.
But his experience also suggests that these qualities need to be matched with a willingness to learn the systems they are entering and take responsibility for the work entrusted to them.

Shukran’s advice to future fellows.
His message is particularly relevant for young professionals who are afraid of stepping outside their comfort zones:
“Expect much, aim to succeed in your career and as a human being, learn to adapt fast and use your creative ways where necessary.”

Shukran’s journey is a reminder that career growth does not always happen by staying within the field you already know.

Sometimes, growth begins when you deliberately accept a challenge that forces you to learn something completely new.
From creative design to trade facilitation, from visual communication to regional negotiations, Shukran is discovering that the different parts of his professional identity do not have to compete.
They can complement each other.
And perhaps that is one of the greatest opportunities public service can offer young professionals: the chance to discover what else you are capable of.

If you were given an opportunity to work outside your usual field, would you take the challenge?

25/09/2026

Two days. One room. Different departments. Countless experiences.

Today, Emerging Public Leaders Malawi officially concluded the Responsive Training for PSFP Cohort 2 Fellows at Crossroads Hotel, Lilongwe.

The final day created space for Fellows to share experiences from their respective departments, reflect on their fellowship journey and prepare for the next chapter of their professional and public-service careers.

Adding to the inspiration, Cohort 1 alumni James Gwanda and Charity Phakati shared their experiences and encouraged Cohort 2 Fellows as they transition into the EPL Alumni Network.

The training was officially closed by Commissioner Arthur Chibwala, EPL Malawi Board Chairperson, bringing the two-day experience to a high note.

And there was more!
Fellows were recognised through a series of awards celebrating different aspects of their journey. Who took home what?
Stay tuned as we spotlight each award category and the Fellows behind the recognition.

On 30 September, Cohort 2 will officially complete their fellowship—but their leadership journey continues.

To employers and partners: keep an eye on this generation of emerging public-service leaders. Their fellowship may be ending, but their potential is only beginning to unfold.

24/09/2026

THE FELLOWSHIP MAY BE WINDING DOWN. THE LEADERSHIP JOURNEY IS JUST BEGINNING.

What happens when young professionals are given the tools, networks and opportunity to serve differently?

They don’t simply complete a fellowship. They grow into leaders who are ready to create impact.

Today at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe, EPL Malawi commenced a two-day Responsive Training for Public Service Fellowship Programme Cohort 2 Fellows, as they approach the end of their fellowship journey this September.

The training is creating space for Fellows to pause, reflect and prepare for what comes next, connecting the lessons, experiences and relationships built throughout the fellowship with the realities of leadership and public service.
From learning to leadership.
From fellowship to impact.
From potential to purposeful service.

As Cohort 2 Fellows take their next steps, the challenge is clear: carry the spirit of public service wherever your journey takes you.

The fellowship may have an end date. Impact doesn't.

22/09/2026

From Pan-Africanism to Meta-Africanism: What does Africa need to turn ideas into action?

For Idah Geoffrey, our Cohort 2 Fellow, her experience at the Africa Mindset Reset Forum in Kigali offered powerful reflections on African leadership, institutional ex*****on and African ownership.

What can Malawi’s emerging public leaders take from these continental conversations?

Read Idah’s reflections from Kigali on our website.

What will it take for Africa to move from bold ideas about its future to actually delivering that future? For Idah Geoffrey, aPublic Service...

18/09/2026

Promise Thembisihle Chandilanga.

Cohort 2 Public Service Fellow | Communications Analyst | Information Officer Fellow | Strategic Communication & Public Relations Professional

What happens before a government message reaches the public?

For Promise Thembisihle Chandilanga, the answer lies in research, media analysis, strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement and a deep understanding of how citizens receive and respond to information.

Promise joined the Public Service Fellowship Programme with a clear purpose: to contribute her communication and public relations skills to national development while gaining firsthand experience of public service.

For her, the fellowship was an opportunity not only to serve Malawi, but also to understand how government communication can influence citizens’ lives.

Where communication meets public service.
Promise is placed at the Government Central Office of Information under the Ministry of Information and Digitalisation, serving as a Media and Public Relations Analyst (Information Officer Fellow).
Her work takes her beyond simply producing communication materials.
She analyses daily news, media coverage and emerging trends, providing public relations and strategic communication insights to government ministries, departments and agencies.

Her responsibilities also include media monitoring, reputation management and supporting efforts to strengthen the effectiveness of government messaging.
It is a role that requires her to constantly ask:
What is happening locally and internationally?
What does it mean for the government?
How should institutions respond?
And how can communication better serve citizens?

Impact that happens behind the scenes.
Much of Promise’s work is strategic and confidential, meaning its impact may not always be visible to the public.
But that does not make it any less significant.

She is proud to be part of a team whose analysis and recommendations have informed communication strategies and decisions across various government departments.
Seeing strategic advice move from newspapers to analyses and recommendations into practical solutions has reinforced for her the value of research, evidence and collaborative problem-solving in public service.
Her contribution has also involved providing evidence-based communication and public relations insights that help institutions anticipate communication challenges, respond to public issues and engage citizens more effectively.

Learning the rhythm of public service.
Moving into government has also challenged Promise to adapt to a different working environment.
The pace and procedures of the public sector can be different from those of other professional settings, particularly when multiple priorities have to be managed simultaneously.
Promise has navigated this by being proactive, seeking guidance from mentors, remaining flexible and treating every assignment as an opportunity to learn.
The experience has strengthened her confidence, professionalism and strategic thinking, while deepening her understanding of stakeholder engagement and working within government systems.

Communication is part of public service.
For Promise, public service is ultimately about citizens.
Her fellowship has reinforced her belief that effective leadership requires integrity, accountability, collaboration and service to others.
Every decision and every communication should create value for the people.
This perspective is grounded in a professional journey that spans communications, public relations, stakeholder engagement and relationship management across government, development and corporate environments.
A new appreciation for the people behind the work.
The fellowship has also changed how Promise sees public service.
She has gained a greater appreciation for the many public servants working behind the scenes to improve people’s lives.

At the same time, her experience has reinforced the role young professionals can play in bringing fresh ideas, innovation and energy into the public sector.
For Promise, this is not simply about being young and having new ideas. It is about bringing those ideas with professionalism, humility, evidence and a willingness to learn.

Promise’s advice to future fellows.
Her message is simple:
“Approach the fellowship with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to learn.”
Ask questions.
Take initiative.
Build relationships.
And treat every assignment as an opportunity to grow.

Because impact is not measured only by the big projects you complete. Sometimes, it is reflected in the attitude, professionalism and commitment you bring to your work every day.

Promise’s journey reminds us that some of the most important contributions to public service happen away from the spotlight, through analysis, advice, collaboration and the careful work of helping institutions communicate better.
And when government communicates better, citizens have a better opportunity to understand, engage and participate.

What role can strategic communication play in building trust between public institutions and citizens?

16/09/2026

DAY 2: THE LEADERSHIP JOURNEY IS GETTING REAL.

Day 2 of the Cohort 3 Orientation.

Cohort 3 is not just sitting in a classroom. They are preparing for service. They are preparing for impact.

Today at the Malawi School of Government, our Fellows explored three critical areas:

Personal Branding & Networking: Own your story. Build your network.

Government Correspondence & Effective Communication: Your voice matters. Learn to communicate with purpose.

EPL Malawi Performance Management: Set goals. Deliver results. Create impact.

Malawi Reforms & Malawi 2063: Our Fellows also explored Malawi’s national development agenda and the ongoing reform efforts shaping the country’s future.

These sessions went beyond the classroom, they connected who our Fellows are, how they communicate, how they perform and the role they can play in shaping Malawi’s future.

From building a strong professional identity and communicating effectively to understanding performance, national reforms and the aspirations of Malawi 2063, the Fellows are gaining the knowledge and mindset needed to turn potential into purposeful public service and meaningful impact.

October is coming. The countdown to service has begun.

Drop your vision below, tag a young leader who should be part of this conversation, and share this post to inspire someone else.

15/09/2026

Cohort 3 Is Ready to Lead.

Today, 35 young professionals are taking their first steps into an exciting new chapter as Cohort 3 begins a three-day orientation at the MALAWI SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT (MSG).

From engaging conversations to interactive sessions and shared learning, our Fellows are getting equipped to lead with purpose, serve with integrity and create meaningful impact.

And the energy? Curiosity. Purpose. Ambition. Possibility.
Their fellowship journey officially begins in October, but the leadership journey starts now.

We’re excited to see how these emerging leaders will grow, serve and shape Malawi’s public service, during the fellowship and beyond.

This is just the beginning. Follow us and stay tuned for more from Cohort 3.

15/09/2026

From a PSFP Fellow to inspiring Malawi’s next generation!

What happens when a passion for youth empowerment becomes a book that helps children dream about their future?

Today, Violet Pondakwao, an Emerging Public Leaders Malawi Cohort 1 alumna and Founder of Inspiring Futures Initiative, takes her story to the screens as she shares about her new book, When I Grow Up — an A–Z career colouring book inspiring children aged 4–8 to explore, imagine and dream big.

📺 Catch Violet today!
🕚 Zodiak TV (Sunrise) 06:00 AM Malawi Time.

And this is only the beginning.

Following her conversations with different television stations across Malawi, EPL Malawi will bring you the story behind Violet’s journey, the impact of her work, and how one Fellow is helping thousands of young Malawians imagine a future of possibilities.

Watch. Be inspired. Then watch this space for Violet’s story.

11/09/2026

Grace Mwale

Cohort 2 Public Service Fellow | Agricultural Development Communication Professional | Entrepreneur & Community Development Advocate.

What happens when someone who has spent years communicating about development gets the opportunity to experience the systems behind that development from within?

For Grace Mwale, the answer has been a deeper understanding of how policies, programmes and public services move from ideas on paper to the people they are intended to serve.

With a background in Agricultural Development Communication and experience working with communities, young people and development organisations, Grace joined the Public Service Fellowship Programme with a desire to understand public institutions more closely and explore how young professionals can contribute meaningfully to national development.
Her fellowship has given her exactly that opportunity.

Finding the connection between communication and public service.
Grace is placed at the Department of Agricultural Extension Services (DAES) under the Ministry of Agriculture, where she has gained exposure to communication, content development, digital communication, editorial work and documentation of public sector initiatives.

But for Grace, communication is not simply about producing messages.
It is about making information understandable, accessible and useful to the people who need it.

That perspective is particularly important in agriculture, where access to timely and relevant information can influence how farmers understand opportunities, respond to challenges and engage with services.

Seeing what happens behind the scenes
One of Grace’s biggest lessons has been discovering just how much happens before a programme, policy or public message reaches a community.

There are meetings.
There is planning.
There is research, consultation, documentation, coordination and follow-up.

Much of this work may never be visible to the public, but it is essential to making institutions function.

The fellowship has therefore challenged Grace to look beyond the final product and appreciate the many deliberate actions that make development work possible.
Meaningful development is rarely one big action. It is often the result of many small actions done intentionally and consistently.

Bringing the community perspective into public service.
Grace’s approach to public service is also shaped by her experience beyond government.

Her background in agricultural development communication and community engagement naturally leads her to think about the people behind policies and programmes.
Who is receiving this information?
Do they understand it?
Can they access the service?
What challenges are they facing?
And how can communication help bridge the gap between institutions and communities?

Her entrepreneurial experience has added another dimension to this perspective. Through her agricultural enterprise, Grace has encountered some of the realities faced by farmers and small businesses, including challenges around markets, inputs, information, finance and opportunities.

These experiences have reinforced her belief that effective public service must remain connected to the realities of the people it serves.

Learning how to work within the system
Moving into a public institution also required adjustment.
Processes can take time. Decisions may involve different levels of responsibility. Consultation, documentation and established procedures matter.
Rather than seeing these processes as barriers, Grace has learned to understand how the system works, identify where she can contribute and find constructive ways to support change.

That has been an important leadership lesson: you cannot effectively improve a system you have not taken the time to understand.

Growing into leadership
The fellowship has also challenged Grace to become more intentional about listening, asking questions, communicating with different people and taking initiative.
It has reinforced a lesson that has shaped her leadership journey:
You do not need to know everything before you start contributing.
Sometimes leadership is asking the right question.
Sometimes it is volunteering.
Sometimes it is listening to someone with more experience.
And sometimes, it is simply doing the small task in front of you well.

For Grace, leadership is not defined by a title. It is about responsibility, showing up, listening, learning and using whatever skills and opportunities you have to contribute to something bigger than yourself.

Beyond the fellowship
Grace’s vision extends beyond her fellowship placement.
She is passionate about the intersection of agriculture, entrepreneurship, communication and community development.

Her entrepreneurial journey continues to explore ways of creating economic opportunities while contributing to more resilient agricultural communities.
The fellowship has helped her see the connections between these different areas more clearly.

Agriculture is not only about production.
Communication is not only about messaging.
Entrepreneurship is not only about profit.
Public service is not only about working in government.

They are connected by one fundamental question:
How do we create systems and opportunities that improve people’s lives?

That question captures much of what Grace brings to her leadership journey.

Grace’s advice to future fellows
Her message is simple:
“Come ready to learn, but also come ready to contribute.”
Ask questions. Be curious. Take initiative. Build relationships.

Do not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.

And when you are given an opportunity to contribute, take it seriously.

For Grace, the fellowship is more than another experience on a CV. It is an opportunity to understand Malawi differently, learn how institutions work and discover the kind of leader and public servant she wants to become.

Her journey reminds us that young professionals do not have to wait for senior positions to make a difference.

What is one skill young professionals can use today to make public services more accessible to communities?

11/09/2026

THE WAIT IS ALMOST OVER.

We’ve reached the final stage of the PSFP Cohort 3 recruitment journey — PLACEMENT.

Following a rigorous application, vetting, reviewing, interview and selection process, our Placement Committee is now working to match successful incoming Fellows with their respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

This is where potential meets opportunity. Where young professionals get the chance to step into Malawi’s public service and turn their skills, ideas and passion into impact.

But there’s one more thing to wait for…
Who is going where?

Stay connected as we begin unveiling where our Cohort 3 Fellows will be placed.

Which MDA would you be excited to see a PSFP Fellow placed in? Tell us below!